Entries from Locations
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Seth Burns, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
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Thursday, June 22, 2023 - 8:27pm
Yes! After experiencing days of snow and wind delay, the team was blessed with a sufficient weather window to depart the 11,000’ Camp and resume climbing. The objective for today was to cache food stores for future retrieval once the 14,000’ Camp is established. Morale was high as the team stepped off smartly after consuming an amazing breakfast of toasted bagels topped with cream cheese and bacon.
A smooth pace was set up on the significant incline of Motorcycle Hill. The snow was not too deep for crampons. At the top, the team turned right and proceeded up Squirrel Hill, admiring the beauty of Father and Son Walland, the impressively sharp drop off of Peters Glacier. Intermittent gusty winds had already exposed some patches down to the blue ice beneath, but our crampons, ice axes, and ropes kept everyone safe and secure. Next came the crossing of the Polo Fields where the snow was quite deep and powdery. Our guides elected to cache a bit short of Windy Corner today. Everyone unloaded the group and personal food for burial in the snow.
The reverse route going downhill was surprisingly quick and in no time the team was back in camp. Hopes are high that we will have an opportunity to move up to 14,000’ Camp tomorrow and continue our acclimatization for the higher altitudes yet to come. It was a great day!
RMI Climber Rick Sturckow & Team
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Emma Lyddan, Ben Thorneycroft, Mike Walter, Jess Wedel, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Joe Hoch and Jess Wedel reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 7 am this morning. Jess reported clear crisp skies, and a great route. The team will enjoy time on the summit snapping photos and taking in the breathtaking views before starting their descent.
Congratulations Team!
Posted by: Andy Bond, Jack Delaney, Joey Manship
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
Wednesday June 21, 2023
Today the team woke up to Groundhog Day!
It has continued to snow but was relatively mild as far as temps and wind go. We masterfully killed a chunk of time in the morning by making a long brunch. After retiring to our tents for the afternoon, we regrouped and planned our potential launch to 17k camp for the next day over some golden, brown, and delicious burritos.
RMI Guide Joey Manship and Team
Fingers and toes crossed for your summit window. Stay safe and Godspeed.
Posted by: Nancy Forsyth on 6/22/2023 at 5:43 pm
I’m hoping and praying for the news to be from 17,000 when the weather breaks. Ya’ll stay safe.
I can’t wait to see pictures! What a quest!
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on 6/22/2023 at 3:57 pm
Posted by: Abby Westling, Ellison Boord, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The team of American Lung Association (ALA) climbers on the Four Day Climb June 19 - 22 led by RMI Guide Abby Westling reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The climbers enjoyed blue skies and sunshine on their ascent and were able to spend some time in the crater. Abby and the team started their descent from the crater rim around 8:30 am en route to Camp Muir. Once back at camp, they will get a short rest before continuing down to Paradise. The program ends this evening with a celebration for the team members for their hardwork and contributions to the American Lung Association.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Congrats team! Such an amazing accomplishment.
Posted by: Steve Albert on 6/22/2023 at 8:24 pm
Congratulations to the whole team!
Excellent job on your climbing accomplishments! You all did a fantastic job raising money for the “ Clean Breathe “ cause. To my daughter Lori 25 years ago you worried me to death! I had no idea what I was going to do if something happened and I had to raise your children NOW 25 years later I couldn’t sleep with worry , if something happened to you who would take care of me ? LOL! We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments! Love Mom and Dad Hooper
Posted by: “Dad and Mom” Hooper on 6/22/2023 at 9:33 am
Posted by: Casey Grom, Roland Scott, Calvin Jiricko
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guide Casey Grom & the Four Day Climb June 19 - 22 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. The weather is beautiful with blue skies and a few broken clouds. The team was able to spend about an hour on the summit before starting their descent. The teams left the crater rim around 8:30 am to return to Camp Muir. After a brief stop to repack and refuel they will continue to descend the remaining 4,500' to Paradise. We look forward to their return to Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Nice work team!
Way to go, Casey and Team! You must be a good luck charm, buddy!
Posted by: Lee Hoedl on 6/22/2023 at 10:04 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dustin Wittmier, Sam Marjerison, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 - 10:38 pm PT
Another storm day at 11,000'. Though not the worst storm, mostly cloud and snow without a lot of wind where we are... but of course that is why we are camped here. We did a long and slow breakfast, sipping coffee and telling stories. We hung out in our tents, napping, reading and watching tv and then it was burrito night. We celebrated Mitch's birthday and celebrated solstice in our snowstorm. We hope to get climbing again soon but we need the storm to move along first.
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
Love you, Dustin!! Be safe up there.
-Alissa
Posted by: Alissa Turosik on 6/23/2023 at 8:12 am
Hey Dustin!
Sending best wishes for clear skies and calm winds for the rest of your climb!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/23/2023 at 3:29 am
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Seth Burns, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 - 7:19 pm PT
Our night of snow storms was briefly broken by clear skies and stunning views, at least for the 2am night owls. By 7, back to snow and low visibility, thus another rest day.
The team finally woke at a leisurely 8am, and gathered in the cook tent for an extraordinary breakfast. Hard at work, our tireless guides had put together pan-fried breakfast burritos that would give any cafe a run for its money. No cap. Seth may consider an alternate career as Chipotle’s chief burrito roller. Sated and happy, the group later headed out during a brief weather interlude to practice crampon skills. The next days of the climb will necessitate these on the steeper and icier terrain. With no one stabbed or stepped on, the outing was considered a success. Relaxation ensured the remainder of the afternoon as movies were watched, books were read, and an unlikely duet belted out classics by The Who.
We are well rested and ready to hopefully cache just past Windy Corner tomorrow, and continue our journey upwards.
RMI climber Alex Smith
Safe travels moving upward!
Posted by: Jenni on 6/22/2023 at 11:49 am
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Tatum Whatford, Evan Sather, Will Ambler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,500'
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons June 17 - 22 led by RMI Guide Hannah Smith made the difficult decision to turn around today at 13,500'. Hannah reported difficult snow conditions and a lack of established trail due to the new snow accumulations over the last few days. The climbers have returned to Camp Schurman where they will spend their final night on the mountain. Tomorrow the team will do some crevasse rescue training before descending to the trailhead and returning to Rainier BaseCamp later in the day.
Posted by: Andy Bond, Jack Delaney, Joey Manship
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - 11:52 pm PT
The word of the day is casual. We woke up casually. We ate brunch super casually. It started around 9:45 and ended around 12:30pm. We casually devoured breakfast burritos fortified by wild Alaskan game sausage provided by the legendary Bleys. Food comas quickly afflicted much of the crew. Everyone casually waddled to their tents for the afternoon to indulge in naps and further snacking. Some folks managed to stay conscious enough to read books and watch TV or movies. Eventually the dinner bell was rung and the tents casually began to rustle with life. Dinner tonight is a repeat of a classic - ramen but this time with the addition of some newly acquired Korean spice paste. It added some much needed flavor as our ability to taste is deadened at this altitude. Another weather day has passed uneventfully, but each day we wait we get more clarity about the weather for our potential summit window. Anticipation is slowly growing amongst the team as the day to begin our summit push gets closer.
RMI Guide Jack Delaney and the Bond Girls
I feel certain that your window will be wide open to make that summit! And what a thrill it will be!!!
Posted by: Mary McKinley (Tante Mary) on 6/21/2023 at 8:32 pm
Sounds like a nice relaxing day. There’s lots of anticipation, excitement, and support in my little corner of the world for your reach for the summit. Ultreia!
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on 6/21/2023 at 3:38 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dustin Wittmier, Michael Murray, Sam Marjerison
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - 9:45 pm PT
Snow day at 11,000'. Thankfully the wind calmed down as we went to bed last night. Through the night and much of today it was just light snow and a lot of cloud. As we ate dinner and told each other stories in the dining tent, the storm ramped up and now, as we climb in tents for the night, it is officially DUMPING snow.
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
Get your motor runnin’
Head out on the highway
Looking for adventure
In whatever comes our way
Get ready to start your engines boys. Motorcycle Hill straight ahead!
Posted by: Dan Allegretti on 6/22/2023 at 6:06 am
Happy birthday Mitch! Stay safe and warm
Love Mare
Posted by: Marianne Harvey on 6/21/2023 at 10:27 pm
Congratulations to the team and especially Ryan Hofer!! Proud of you!!
Posted by: Mike on 6/23/2023 at 9:04 am
ANNALISA! I am SO proud of you. This is such a huge goal that you accomplished. I can’t wait to hear all about it and see the photos. On to the next summit!
Posted by: Erika on 6/23/2023 at 8:23 am
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